Federal Government should learn from SA solar revolution and keep the Renewable Energy Target

Solar Citizens has welcomed the South Australian Government’s announcement today that it will soon exceed its target of 33% of energy generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind.

The SA Government has also committed to expand its target to 50% by 2025 provided the Federal Govt maintains the Renewable Energy Target scheme in its current form.

Solar Citizens Campaigns Director, Claire O’Rourke, said the SA achievement demonstrated the benefits of increasing opportunities for rooftop solar which helps households reduce their power bills.

“The SA Government has shown strong leadership in creating a solar revolution where nearly a quarter (23%) of South Australian homes are now powered by the sun,” Ms O’Rourke said.

“Key cabinet ministers in the Federal Government will decide in coming days on whether they will keep the Target and the jobs, growth and investment it creates.

“There are more than 169,000 solar homes in SA, generating more than 422MW of clean energy and saving a total $94.7 million on power bills. Cutting the Target will increase the cost of rooftop solar by 30-50 per cent, putting it out of reach of ordinary Australian households.”

“The Abbott Government should look closely at what’s been achieved in South Australia and follow its lead by maintaining and growing the Target.

“Instead, it has become increasingly isolated in its ‘business as usual’ approach to Australia’s energy, including the release today of an Energy Green Paper that does not place the emphasis it should on clean renewable energy, including solar.

“Thousands of renewable energy workers, solar owners and community members who support clean energy will hold a National Rally for Renewables at noon on Friday, September 26 calling on the Federal to abandon its anti-solar, anti-renewables agenda.

“The Abbott Government should listen to the majority of Australians who support solar because it helps them take control of their power bills. Australians want more solar not less, so the Government should keep the Target in full,” Ms O’Rourke said.